ORIENTAL TEAHOUSE DARES COUPLES TO JOIN THEM VALENTINE’S DAY

Introducing a board game of truth or dare but not as you know it!   Oriental Teahouse is excited to announce the launch of their new concept Dumplings for Dating designed to steer couples through a table-sized “getting to know you” board game over delicious yum cha items and fun cocktails. Kicking off on Valentine’s … Read more

QV MELBOURNE’S OUTDOOR CINEMA ON TILL 31st MARCH

QV Melbourne Outdoor Cinema Extends Summer with their Feb-March Flick Fest program

Have you ever noticed that summer gets better towards the end? QV Melbourne is extending the warmth with a new season of their outdoor deckchair cinema from 1 February- 31 March.

The Indian summer season, dubbed Flick Fest, is a new program of themed film screenings, with a curated selection of everything from cult classics to recent hits. Special pre-film events will include live performances, guest appearances, pop-up bars, bring-your-dog charity screenings, ‘A Dog’s Valentine’ and more.

Tickets are on sale now via qvcinema.com.au

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Kicking off the program is a week celebrating strong female characters from 1-4 February, with iconic films featuring fearless female leads, launching with the most epic tribute to the girl’s road trip: Thelma and Louise. The launch week will include live entertainment and free themed drinks from a pop up bar.

Home to the city’s beloved bring-your-dog charity screenings, QV Cinema’s famed doggie dress up nights return on 9 and 10 February with pampered pooches encouraged to attend with their owners. QV will offer free pet photography over the two nights, inviting Melburnians to bring their pets along styled in their most creative costumes to watch Red Dog 2 and the loveable A Dog’s Purpose. Proceeds from ticket sales for both nights go to The Lost Dogs’ Home.

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“We made the choice to mix up the programming this year, with a bit of an Indian summer slant. Melbourne is just so vibrant in March, with so many festivals on, that it’s a great time to be out and about in the city – catching a movie after a comedy or fashion show and enjoying something to eat or drink under the stars,” says QV Melbourne’s General Manager Lisa Fleming.

On Friday 9 February, it’s ‘A Dog’s Valentine’. QV Cinema and The Lost Dogs’ Home are inviting Melburnians to meet their most loyal Valentine – an adopted pup to provide with a forever home, and just in time for Valentine’s Day! Cinema goers will meet a range of adoption dogs at 7:30pm, when a matchmaker from The Lost Dogs’ Home will provide expert matchmaking tips. For example, Labrador-cross Rosco loves long walks on the beach and prefers driftwood to balls. He’s suited to someone with an active lifestyle and lots of energy. Other dogs who come with their owners are invited to arrive with fur fluffed, dressed in their date-night best. All pups will parade down the red carpet to sniff out their favourite Valentine.

“It’s a fun spin on Valentine’s Day – because who is going to stick with you through thick and thin? An adopted dog will give you a lifetime of love and companionship. At The Lost Dogs’ Home, we have many wonderful dogs waiting for their happily-ever-after. We are very thankful for QV Melbourne’s support in shining a light on shelter dogs to help them find homes,” says Ben Pocock, General Manager of Shelter & Outreach Services, The Lost Dogs’ Home.

From 22 – 25 February, QV Cinema offers the chance to see previous Oscar favourites La La Land and Arrival, 2018 Oscar nominee Get Out, plus multi Australian AACTA Award Winner Lion, on the big screen before the Academy Awards on 4 March.

As Fashion Week descends on Melbourne, QV invites you to get your fashion fix at the cinema with a series of stylish films screening from 1 – 4 March. From 8 – 11 March, QV is throwing it back with a week of cult 80s classics and will host a cocktail bar, with a different 80’s themed cocktail available each night.

Bring the kids along to Animation Week from 15 – 18 March and sing-a-long to your favourite musicals from 22 – 25 March, with free popcorn for cinema guests each night.

Melbourne’s only silent cinema is located right in the heart of the city on the Astroturf lawn in QV Square. The intimate open-air deckchair cinema remains one of the city’s most affordable outdoor cinemas. Tickets at $12* (plus $1 booking fee) include deckchair seating and high quality headphones for every audience member.

Sessions begin at 8:30pm Thursday to Sunday nights from 1 February to 31 March 2018, with special event screenings commencing at 7:30pm.

Film lovers can wander down Artemis or Red Cape Lane to the open-air courtyard for intimate screenings of QV Outdoor Cinema’s eclectic variety of films. Grab a burger from Grill’d, a Movenpick ice cream or a dark hot chocolate from Max Brenner and lounge back in an intimate 80-seat deckchair cinema nestled in the heart of the ‘city within the city’.

Worlds apart from other retail precincts in Melbourne, QV represents the quintessential Melbourne lifestyle. Intimate laneways in the urban precinct give visitors the freedom to wander and discover the eclectic mix of shops, cafes and restaurants at their own pace. Located on the corner of Lonsdale and Swanston Streets, QV has something for everyone with boutiques, enlightening entertainment and cosmopolitan bars and restaurants.

What: QV Melbourne’s Outdoor Cinema Flick Fest season

When:

7:30pm for event screenings

8:30pm for regular screenings

Thursdays – Sundays

1 February – 31 March 2018

No screenings during White Night Melbourne.

Check qvcinema.com.au for full program info.

Where: QV Square (level 2), QV Melbourne, corner Lonsdale and Swanston Streets, Melbourne

Tickets: All regular sessions cost $12*, or $14* (*plus $1 booking fee) for doggie dress up charity screenings. Bookings and full program available via qvcinema.com.au.

                        

QV Outdoor Cinema Program

February – March 2018

Bookings required

www.qv.com.au

**Information & Images Courtesy of QV Melbourne/Fuller PR – Keshia Hutchens

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Connie Lambeth

The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

Ph: 0408 798814

theaustraliatimes.com/news

literallyconnie@gmail.com

connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

 

instagram.com/tatgourmetmag

READ ON FOR QV OUTDOOR CINEMA PROGRAM & CURATOR GUS BERGER…

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SMOKIN’ HOT RECIPE TO TRY THIS AUSTRALIA DAY LONG WEEKEND

The Perfect Recipe for Your Long Weekend! There’s no tradition quite like a backyard barbie on the family Weber-Q, especially on the nations most celebrated day – Australia Day! Why not try something a bit different this year; add some international flavours to honour our beautiful and multicultural country. Direct from the rich southern flavours … Read more

Melbourne – Celebrate Australia Day The Bavarian Way

Melbourne – Game On from Today! From Thursday 25th January to Sunday 28th January, Munich Brauhaus at South Wharf and The Bavarian at Westfield Knox will embrace all things Aussie. Ease into the Australia Day weekend TODAY at both restaurants with Happy Hour (Munich Brauhaus 4-7pm, The Bavarian 4-6pm) and house DJ’s from 6pm. A limited … Read more

MAKE YOUR OWN MOCKTAILS THIS LONG WEEKEND

MOCKTAIL RECIPES & IMAGES COURTESY OF EDENVALE

Non-Alcholic Wines – Australia

https://edenvale.com.au/

Baby Bellini
Peach Bellini

Peach Bellini

Combine 1 part peach puree with 2 parts Edenvale Alcohol Removed Sparkling Cuvee and stir gently. Delicious!

Sparkling Fruit Sangria

Ingredients:

1 orange, thinly sliced

1/2 lemon, thinly sliced

1 cup blueberries

1 cup raspberries

10 large strawberries, sliced

1 cup orange juice

1 750ml bottle sweet white wine 

1 750ml bottle your favourite bubbly

Directions:

Place all fruit and orange juice in a large pitcher or bowl, add wine and allow to sit in the refrigerator for 3 – 24 hours. Right before serving, add the sparkling wine. Taste; if you’d like it to be sweeter, add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, honey, or agave. Serve and enjoy!

Sangria
Sangria

 Lemon & Lime Mocktail

Ingredients:

1/2 Lemon, 1/2 Lime and Edenvale Sparkling Cuvee

Directions:

1. Cut lemon and lime into small rounds

2. Pour desired amount of Edenvale Sparkling Cuvee into glass

3. Add lemon and lime rounds

4. Stir and enjoy!

Lemon & Lime Mocktail
Lemon & Lime Mocktail

 Cucumber Cooler

1 cucumber

Mint leaves

Peel cucumber and  blend in a blender to create a smooth consistency

Add mint leaves (muddle, bruise mint leaves with a wooden spoon)

Strain

Add 2 cups of Edenvale Sparkling Cuvee

Stir

 

Cucumber Cooler
Cucumber Cooler

Mimosas

Mimosas are synonymous with Sunday brunch. So, if you’re planning a festive season brunch at your place, why not try a DIY mimosa bar! Place a few bottles of Edenvale Alcohol Removed Sparkling Cuvee in an ice bucket, and arrange alongside different types of juice (orange, pomegranate, grape fruit, pear), bowls of chopped fruit for garnish (orange, lemon, lime, strawberry) and champagne flutes. Then let your guests create their own mimosas and experiment with unique flavour combinations.

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**Information & Images Supplied by Evil Twin PR

Connie Lambeth – The Australia Times News

Editor GOURMET – Food/Wine/Events

E: literallyconnie@gmail.com

E: connie.lambeth@theaustraliatimes.com.au

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatgourmetmag/


Chilled Orange Juice

Chilled Orange Juice

MORE MOCKTAIL RECIPES FROM EDENVALE…

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Rainbows and The Milky Way at Meon Springs

Whitewool Farm – Hampshire South England Words by Sindy Chan chansindy.cd@gmail.com Images courtesy of Troy Nam with Hasselblad  ‘Utopia’ I woke up to the sound of morning birds’ after a sound sleep in my ’wagon train’ at Meon Springs. The ‘wagon train’ is one of the six lakeside shepherds’ huts purposely-built for fly fishing lovers and holiday makers … Read more

SUPER-SIZE AUSTRALIA DAY AT ROCKPOOL DINING GROUP RESTAURANTS

SYDNEY – Tim Tam Margarita or Vegemite Pizza Anyone? Rockpool Dining Group’s casual restaurants are super-sizing Australia Day with extended celebrations that include BBQ snags and steins of beer and limited-edition menu items, including Tim Tam Margaritas and Vegemite pizzas.  Fratelli Fresh has a limited-edition Vegemite pizza ($16) available at all seven restaurants from Monday … Read more

BELMOND ROYAL SCOTSMAN – TASTE OF THE HIGHLANDS

‘Taste of the Highlands’ Train Journey

The Belmond Royal Scotsman Bagpiper
The Belmond Royal Scotsman Bagpiper

Words by Sindy Chan:  chansindy.cd@gmail.com

Images: Troy Nam with Hasselblad

Boarding The Belmond Royal Scotsman

Home of Aberdeen Angus

Ballindalloch Castle, the much-loved family home of the Macpherson-Grants, was the last sightseeing itinerary of our 3-day-2-night The Belmond Royal Scotsman “Taste of the Highlands” train journey.

On day 3, before departure for sightseeing, Headwaiter Marx shared the daily menu, informing us that Aberdeen Angus beef was to be the main course of our formal dinner that night.

I realised later that we had encountered the Aberdeen Angus cattle in their homeland – the Ballindalloch Estate in Speyside of the Scotland Highlands, in a riotous profusion of season’s colours.

The black, hornless castle, a breed noticeable for its meat quality and easy rearing, are descended from the herd first started by the 3rd Baronet of Ballindalloch, Sir George Macpherson-Grant, in 1860, and are now the oldest surviving bloodlines of Aberdeen Angus in the world.

Guy Macpherson-Grant of Ballindalloch Castle received us at the coach park. Ian Gardiner, our Host on The Royal Scotsman Train said that Guy and wife Victoria always received Belmond guests upon arrival, personally taking each group around the castle.

Guy Macpherson-Grant personally receiving guests of The Belmond
Guy Macpherson-Grant of Ballindalloch Castle
Seasonal splendour - Ballindalloch Castle
Seasonal splendour –
Ballindalloch Castle

Wining Before Dining 

DSC09773 Welcome back drink
DSC09961 Cocktails & canapes before dinner

Belmond Royal Scotsman Formal Dinner

I was so delighted to have Paupiette of Scottish oak-smoked salmon, my favourite poached langoustine, tomato & chive dressing as starter; and fully enjoyed the main course Roast fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef in the Highlands of Scotland.

From what I learnt from steak gourmands, Aberdeen Angus breed is rich in flavour, juicy with a hint of sweetness from the grass. The smaller conformation allows for a thicker steak with the resulting contrast in textures – caramelised outside and buttery, melt-in-the-mouth inside. The short fibres, exquisite marble-textured Aberdeen Angus produces tender meat with excellent nutritional balance.

Paupiette of Scottish oak smoked salmon, poached langoustine, with tomato, chive dressing
Paupiette of Scottish oak smoked salmon, poached langoustine with tomato, chive dressing
Pairing wine - Bacchus, Offida, Le Merlettaie - Ciu Ciu, Italy 2015
Pairing wine – Bacchus, Offida, Le Merlettaie
Ciu Ciu, Italy 2015
Roast fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef
Roast fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef
Chocolate Cremeux, lime caramel sauce & hazelnut ice cream
Chocolate Cremeux, lime caramel sauce & hazelnut ice cream
Cheese and coffee in the Observation Car after dinner
Cheese and coffee in the Observation Car after dinner

First dinner on board

Isn’t that amazing

The Royal Scotsman’s very fine culinary “Taste of the Highlands” are delivered from a two-chef’s kitchen?

Starter – Honey Roasted Duck Breast, Beetroot Chutney, Toasted Hazelnuts & Orange Reduction reminded of a little of Oriental flavour; pairing wine Wachauer, Rainer Wess, Gruner Veltliner Austria 2014.

Honey Roasted Duck Breast
Honey Roasted Duck Breast

Main Course – Oven-Roasted Halibut, Fondant Potato, Wilted Spinach, Crayfish & Chervil Veloute and pairing wine Montagny 1er cru, Les Grappes d’Or, Feuillat Juillot, Burgundy, France 2014 was a perfect match.

Oven-roasted Halibut
Oven-roasted Halibut

Who doesn’t like Champagne Jelly?

Dessert – Timbale of Seasonal Berries in Champagne Jelly, Raspberry Sorbet & Marshmallow 

Timbale of seasonal berries in Champagne jelly
Timbale of seasonal berries in Champagne jelly
Pairing wine Montagny 1er cru, Les Grappes d'Or, Feillaut Juillot - Burgundy, France 2014
Pairing wine Montagny 1er cru, Les Grappes d’Or, Feillaut Juillot – Burgundy, France 2014

Risotto perfectly cooked

I always have problem with chewy, half-cooked Risotto. On the Royal Scotsman train, I discovered the perfectly cooked Roasted butternut squash Risotto.

Roasted Butternut squash risotto
Roasted Butternut squash risotto
Pairing wine - Chablis, Domaine Fevre - Burgundy, France 2015
Pairing wine – Chablis, Domaine Fevre – Burgundy, France 2015
Honey & Sultana bread & butter pudding with heather honey cream
Honey & Sultana bread & butter pudding with heather honey cream

MORE INFO & PICS…

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MELBOURNE’S ONLY CLUB APEROL

Everyone’s Favourite Citrusy Spritz! The summery good times keep rolling with the announcement of some exciting new pop-ups at two of Melbourne’s most popular venues – Riverland on the Yarra River and Bang Bang at the Rifle Club in Elsternwick.   In a celebration of everyone’s favourite citrusy spritz, Melbourne’s only Club Aperol is now open … Read more

AUSTRALIAN OPEN DINING SOUTHGATE STYLE

Dine Well then Water Taxi to The Australian Open! Pre Tennis Package at Pure South Dining and P.S Bar + Kitchen  Pure South Dining has been a fine dining institution for 13 years. Following their 2017 renovation and expansion over two levels, the river level of the restaurant has now been reimagined as P.S. Bar + … Read more